Marshes and Delaware River are frozen. A survey was conducted on 01/13/15 and around 2,000 ducks were observed with 90% being Mallards. About 7,000 Canada Geese and 10,000 Snow Geese were observed.

Mallard Migration Rank = 8 (0 = no mallards 10 = peak migration)

Lake level

2.12 feet above conservation pool.

Habitat conditions

All wetland complexes have developed some of the best vegetation seen at Perry in the last several years. All marsh complexes are dependent on natural runoff to fill the complex except West River North & South and Kyle East.

We are currently in the process of working with Ducks Unlimited to apply for a grant to build a Marsh Pump to pump NorthWest and Reichart marshes. We have put some money together from local donors to aid in this project. If you are interested in helping with this project call the Wildlife Area office at (785) 945-6615.

Reminder: Gas powered boats are only allowed on the River, Lake, Sunset Ridge, Kyle East and West and Rucker wetland pools. Electric powered boats are allowed in all marsh pools.

Kyle: Kyle Marsh East was drained this spring but did not dry all the way out. Quality vegetation growth is primarily in the east pool. East- HCR-9 with the marsh being 60% water. Only natural vegetation grew in the East Unit. Kyle West - HCR-5 with invertebrates being the main food source and due to a recent high water event this unit is nearly 100% full.

Launching boats in Kyle will be possible now with water levels at near full.

West River: An abundance of moist soil plants are growing and areas of mud flats were sown to Jap Millet and Buckwheat. North- HCR-6 with 50% water. South- HCR-9 with 75% water.

Upper Ferguson: The vegetation is in excellent quality. HCR-8 with 50% water.

Lassister: West Lassiter pool was drained this spring and worked for corn planting however do to untimely rains no corn was planted. However, the vegetation response was great. East- HCR-7 with 40% water, will fill if we get enough rain. West- HCR-7 with 25% water

Northwest: Recent work to remove trees from inside Northwest marsh has been done and boards have been removed from water control structures to continue renovations. Work is in progress to remove the East water control structure and soon the remaining water will be removed from this wetland. Installation of a new structure will follow.

Headquarters: Headquarters started full this spring and over the summer naturally dried up. Quality vegetation growth has been good. HCR-8 with 10% water

Mitigation: Mitigation marsh was held this summer. Vegetation growth has been good. HCR-7 with 25% water

Hayward: Hayward has been drained all summer but retained moisture with intermittent rains. The vegetation growth has been excellent this summer. HCR-9 with 100% water

Reichert: Reichart pools were held at reatively low levels but retained water most of the summer. The vegetation growth has been exceptional. HCR-9 with 25% water.

Zebra Mussels have been confirmed in the lake. Be sure to dry boats and equipment before moving to other waters.